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US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following numerous accidents.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, continued to travel into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.